by Zanita Careem
Pix by Vidath Jayawardena
Saima Kidwai’s home is exquisite in its simplicity, its decor being the first impression you get of a remarkable woman who has received much acclaim in interior decor. Her home equates good taste with an ornate and ostentatious display. Simplicity, elegance and the unmistakable stamp of Saima are the keynotes of Kidwais' residence at Lake Road Rajagiriya.

"Colours play an important role in my life" she says looking around at the black and white upholstery in the sitting room.

What was started as a hobby for Saima has now metamorphosed into a passion, one that’s ever growing in potential and popularity among homemakers who possess great talent but are dawdling to venture out here’s a story of some inspiration.

Unconsciously inherent was Saima’s inclination towards designing and creating something new. Armed with a string of qualifications in interior designing, beauty culture and with a diploma in hair dressing from Shaw School of London (affiliate in Karachi) Saima is a master of all. Saima’s work has mixed and merged with various disciplines, ranging from dress designing to interior decorating.

After a short stint in running a boutique Saima took to interior designing like a duck takes to water. "My parents are artistes. My mother an interior decorator and my father a painter so my artistic creativity runs in my blood," said Saima.

About her design objectives Saima says "I provide exclusive and personalised services to clients who appreciate custom built interiors that are creative and practical but not ostentatious".

Saima’s youth and beauty belie the years of study and practical experience that have brought her to the pinnacle of a demanding career.

Educated in Karachi is a multitude of subjects like art, clothing, textiles, child psychology these have been the basis for all her achievements.

Saima does not believe in expensive decor. She says ‘a client comes to me with a basic idea of what he wants. I offer different ideas on space planning and general furniture, I use colours to amplify an impression with lighting playing an important part in the overall effect.

Her home reflects her personality and her flair for style. The first thing you notice in her home (and it’s a home or a house is that instantly sets you at ease, despite the fact that this is their second home - their first home is in Pakistan). "This is our home away from home and we want it to spell comfort and warmth," explains Saima. Her drawing room is filled with furnishing and curios that blends to perfection despite the diversity from the sofa to the

wrought iron glass topped table to the intricate Pakistan mirror on the walls. And there’s that subtle touch of Saima personality forming a basic undertone in the living room adding just the right amount of flitz to her home.

Most people may not pay much attention to the way they do up their washroom. She explained that they enlivened the space by giving it a totally new look and the effect is lovely. The kitchen is one nook Saima has obviously slaved over and her sense of pride while talking abut the kitchen is very obvious. "It’s the kind of place you can actually chill out with a book and a lovely glass of juice" she says.

Saima’s husband and her daughter are both into painting and she hopes to have a family painting exhibition in the near future.

Although Saima is from Pakistan she is now more a Sri Lankan. She has acclimatised herself to the social ethos of our country. A lover of books she loves to travel to keep herself updated.

Taking of designing interiors, Saima says:

It is most important to have involvement of the people for whom its being done, making them feel a part of it.

"The important part is to use most options and the resources available — rather than just buying stuff and placing them in the right and wrong places. People forget that interior decoration is not about buying and placing expensive stuff — its about making the right choices of colours and stuff for a certain place to look the way it should," she said ruefully.

"It is all about managing and arranging, that is where you need the interior decorator. The same items shuffled around in the same room but with a different setting colour scheme gives a total new look", says Saima with confidence. Colours / patterns can change the look of a place in a good or bad way. Therefore, it is a very important factor after knowing the purpose of the area to choose correctly. Basic idea is, any given area should attract comfortable feeling form within. To make that happen in a good way is the job of a good interior decorator, says Saima.

"Presently, I am doing some assignments and definitely don’t take more than I can focus on - because it’s a passion for me and each job done for me should have my and owners’ satisfaction", was the parting words.

Her telephone number is 687834.